Exodus 14:15
What does Exodus 14:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Exodus 14:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Exodus 14:15 means
Jehovah's question to Moses, "Wherefore criest thou unto me?", seems to imply an impatience with Moses' prayer, yet it is a directive to action rather than a rebuke. God then commands Moses to instruct the Israelites to move forward, highlighting that God's plan involves both divine power and human obedience. This moment signifies a transition from waiting and crying out to proactive faith, where God's command to advance into the seemingly impassable sea demonstrates His expectation of Israel's trust and readiness for His miraculous intervention.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Jehovah said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Jehovah said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the Lord said to Moses, Why are you crying out to me? give the children of Israel the order to go forward.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Jehovah saith unto Moses, `What? thou criest unto Me--speak unto the sons of Israel, and they journey;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the Lord said to Moses: Why criest thou to me? Speak to the children of Israel to go forward.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Jehovah said to Moses, Why dost thou cry unto me? Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.
Context
This verse shifts the narrative from Moses' comforting words to the people to a direct command from God to Moses. It follows Moses' assurances in verses 13-14 and immediately precedes specific instructions for performing the miracle of the Red Sea. This divine directive to 'go forward' is crucial, as it sets the stage for the physical parting of the waters, transforming faith into action.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezra 10:4
Arise; for the matter belongeth unto thee, and we are with thee: be of good courage, and do it.
- Joshua 7:10
And Jehovah said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore art thou thus fallen upon thy face?
- Exodus 17:4
And Moses cried unto Jehovah, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they are almost ready to stone me.
- Nehemiah 9:9
And thou sawest the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red Sea,
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